Existing authorized model
Ownership and ordinary flight
The FCC action did not ground previously purchased drones. FAA operating rules still govern the flight.
United States restriction tracker
The DJI drone ban: what is actually restricted in 2026?
There is no single nationwide rule that makes every DJI drone illegal to fly. FCC equipment authorization, FAA operating rules, federal procurement restrictions and state or agency policies answer different questions.
See the quick answersGeneral information only, not legal advice. Rules and active proceedings can change.
Quick answers for pilots
New foreign model
Entering the U.S. market
Covered equipment cannot receive a new FCC equipment authorization unless an applicable exception or determination applies.
Government-linked work
Agency or federal funding
Separate procurement, operation and funding restrictions can apply even when the aircraft remains legal for a private pilot to own and fly.
State or agency rule
Additional restrictions
A state, municipality, university, department or contract can impose a narrower rule. Check the authority connected to the work.
The word ban hides four different questions
Swipe sideways to see what to verify.
| Your question | Main authority | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Can I fly it? | FAA plus local authorities | Pilot category, registration, Remote ID, airspace, location and operating rules. |
| Can a new model enter the market? | FCC and other import authorities | Equipment authorization, Covered List scope and any current exception. |
| Can my agency buy or use it? | FAR, agency and funding rules | Covered entity, funding source, contract language, exception or waiver. |
| Can I use it for this client? | Client, contract and jurisdiction | Data-security terms, procurement clauses, state rules and customer policy. |
What each federal layer does
FCC Covered List
Controls equipment authorization for covered communications equipment. The FCC says the December 2025 action applies to new device models and does not prohibit use of previously authorized models.
FAA flight rules
Control how and where an operation occurs. They are separate from the FCC process that determines whether covered wireless equipment can receive authorization for import, marketing or sale.
Federal acquisition rules
Restrict certain executive-agency procurement, operation services and federal funding involving covered foreign UAS, subject to defined exceptions and waivers.
Agency and state policy
May add procurement, cybersecurity, data-handling or operational restrictions. One agency's rule does not automatically describe every private or commercial flight.
What is still moving
The FCC record was active on 27 August 2026. A June 16 public notice opened public comment on DJI's security-assessment filing through August 28, 2026. The result of that proceeding may change the status described here.
A separate August 2026 proceeding proposed limits on continued importation and marketing for a narrow set of previously authorized Anzu equipment. It explicitly said the proposal would not stop continued use or operation of already purchased UAS. That proceeding is not a general order grounding existing DJI aircraft.
Official sources
- FCC fact sheet on foreign UAS and previously authorized models, 22 December 2025.
- FCC public notice on Covered List updates, 14 April 2026.
- FCC public notice on DJI's petition for reconsideration, 16 June 2026.
- FCC proceeding concerning specified previously authorized Anzu equipment, August 2026.
- FAA recreational and Part 107 operating routes.
- Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 40.2.
What Flywhen does not decide
Flywhen evaluates forecast weather against the limits you select. It does not determine whether an aircraft is authorized for import or sale, whether a government contract permits it, whether airspace is available or whether a flight is legal.
Always check official FAA airspace and NOTAM sources, the current FCC record, the aircraft manufacturer, the contracting authority and qualified legal or procurement advice when the decision matters.
Already own a DJI aircraft?
Use Flywhen for the weather part of the preflight decision, then complete the airspace, aircraft, site and legal checks separately.
Check a flight window